ANTI- To Present One-Of-A-Kind Hootenanny at SXSW

This year at SXSW Anti- Records is presenting its first Hootenanny, a one-of-a-kind collaborative performance by a diverse group of artists, trading off songs and verses in the true spirit of musical community. The Hootenanny will take place on Saturday, March 18 at 12midnight at Central Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX.

Billy Bragg’s proactive brand of populist post punk, pop and folk has been engaging us since the 80s and today he is more inspiring than ever. His appearance at the Hootenanny as well as his other SXSW shows are part of a rare US tour and a break from his recent involvement in UK politics, but anyone who has seen him knows he is not to be missed.

Ramblin Jack Elliott, who is preparing to release his Anti- debut “I Stand Alone” is certainly no stranger to this kind of show, having shared stages with everyone from Woody Guthrie to Ralph Stanley to Bob Dylan in the course of his remarkable career.

Jolie Holland who’s haunting yet jubilant blend of folk, jazz and pop has won many-a-heart in these last couple of years will also be performing. She will be in town in preparation for her upcoming album “Springtime Can Kill You”, due out on Anti- this spring.. Jolie, who has always been at home in this type of environment, has been part of some really interesting collaborations lately, notably, sitting in w/ rapper Sage Francis on a recent LA gig and harmonizing with Bad Religion singer, Greg Graffin on his upcoming solo album.

Joe Henry is the consummate musical Renaissance man. From his acclaimed solo albums, to his vivid songwriting to his recent emergence as producer of soul legends like Solomon Burke and Bettye Lavette, Henry always surprises and never disappoints. He embraces, Rock, R&B, Country and Jazz seamlessly which makes him perfect for this kind of ensemble.

Tim Fite is a true original. Raised on hip hop, but in his early 20s his discovery of Hank Williams and Woody Guthrie changed his life. He is a one-man mash up of folk, rap, spoken word and really catchy songs that delights everyone who sees him. His debut album, “Gone Ain’t Gone” just came out this fall and it has been receiving raves around the world.

The idea is that each of the artists will be featured on a couple of their own tunes backed at times by the other artists on the stage. There will also be more collaborative performances of songs that everyone knows. In addition to these great artists, we are also expecting some special guests to drop by. We are talking to folks from across the musical spectrum, so we are hoping for some really crazy surprises.